Best Filters For Larger Tanks 75+

[Breeze7050]

Hey Everyone,
We are planning on upgrading our 55G to a 75-125G. The bigger the better for me! Currently we use the HOB - hang on back whisper filter. Im assuming that once you get to a certain size tank you need better filtration than what the HOB offers. Ive heard of canisters and pumps/refuge and the sort, Im just not sure A. what the best is and B. how it works/how it's set up ?? Im in the US so that may or may not make a difference. Does anyone have any recomendations for what I should use? Any help is appreciated! Thanks again to all my fish friends!

 

[finchfarm]

We have a 75 gallon that is running off an AquaClear HOB that is meant to be able to go up to 120 gallons....so yes, HOB filters can still work on larger tanks as long as you get the right one.

I'm a little biased in my HOB vs Canister filters. I used to hate HOBs because of the noise they made, the tacky appearance and the fact that half my fish swam up into the filter, got stuck and died. Because of this we eventually went out and bought a canister filter (Fluval brand). The filter was convenient, it sat on the floor out of view and it was quiet. The drawback? It never seated right was a pain to assemble and clean, leaked all the time, drained all but 10 gallons out of my tank once and we constantly had to buy new o rings because the ones in the filter kept breaking. The best I can explain as to how it works (the canister filter) is similar to a pool pump, if you've ever seen how one of those operates. My advise would be if you really want a canister filter, don't get a Fluval. Ours was nothing but trouble, and I've heard some others on this board that have said the same.

 

[LisaLQ]

Canisters all the way here. Easy to set up, easy to operate (erm...turn on...leave....clean once in a while....leave) and easy to swap over to other tanks if you upgrade/downsize.

Lots of folks say Fluval are crap, obviously the more folks that say it the more I'd be inclined to believe it now - I have a couple of fluvals (including an FX5) and have had no probs, some are second hand so several years old too. But, there are other brands out there that are just as good - Tetratec (I had an EX1200 which was fab - would definitely get another if needed), Pennplax are supposed to be really good, Eheim (overpriced but reliable apparently).

I wouldn't have the first clue what to do with a sump. Both of my big (135g and 180g) tanks run on a couple of external canisters - and I wouldn't change it for the world now

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yup go for a cannister

IMO Eheim are the best, I also like rena's and have heard tetratec's are good too.

from personal experience I wouldn't buy another fluval.

had loads and no problems for absolutely ages, then they all started falling apart and going wrong

 

[Breeze7050]

Thanks guys, Ive been doing some looking myself. I do like my HOB - but as was said it looks a little "tacky" if you will! External canisters sound pretty good right now, will wait for some more responses. The sump/refuge sounds like a lot of work and the purchases of another tank to run it through - sound like a little to much work/money for just 1 tank. Im not running a fish house here, but I wish I was lol!!

 

[Castellop123]

op#[

 

[Breeze7050]

Another quick question - with these canisters do you still do the once a month "pad" changing? That could get a bit expensive. My new filters for my HOB are about 40 bucks and they are changed every 6 weeks. Is it the same for a canister? Sorry for my newbie Q's, Ive never had a tank big enough to talk major filtration lol!

 

[cleekdaFish]

I have had an eheim and now i have a rena...both are gd....if u want better water flower and is cheaper and they r also very easy to prime...rena xp4 is my way to go

Another quick question - with these canisters do you still do the once a month "pad" changing? That could get a bit expensive. My new filters for my HOB are about 40 bucks and they are changed every 6 weeks. Is it the same for a canister? Sorry for my newbie Q's, Ive never had a tank big enough to talk major filtration lol!

Just rinse the pads , thats wat I do. My can last for a loooooong time...like a yr or so

 

[thegnu]

just keep rinsing the pads out they will last for ages

 

[Breeze7050]

http/www.petsmart.com/global/product_det...030111&Ne=2

anyone heard of this or use this?